By Keith Leach
Guest Columnist

During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them. — Acts 16:9

These words continue an odyssey that many people do not quite understand. No, it is not the odyssey of crossing over to Macedonia.  It is rather how Paul trusts God’s “vision” that changed the entire scope of the planned missionary journey.  Paul, who has already felt the guiding of the Spirit on many occasions, has a vision in his sleep and decides to leave the planned trip and instead they follow what Paul feels is a commandment from God.

I often wonder how many times Paul felt what we would call the “leadings of the Spirit”?  Throughout the book of Acts Paul seems to be ready to change the “game plan” and follow God’s leading on a moment’s notice. I believe that Paul, having been rather spectacularly introduced to Jesus by a big Spirit filled moment, knew the importance of following the Spirit’s guiding no matter what “common sense” would tell. It takes prayers, trust, faith and experience to discern God’s true callings to us.  It is hard work to get to the point of listening and following God’s call and directions for our lives.  Yet it is crucial that we as Christians listen for those calls.  Especially because it increases our trust in our Lord. 

It was exactly that trust, and a very trusting spouse, that allowed me, to change professions and become an ordained minister in my early 50’s.  It has been a journey not only of faith, but also of extraordinary joy in seeing God’s work with me and with others.  

However, God has now set me to another change in life.  I will be retiring from the College Presbyterian Church at the end of May.  My wife and I will be relocating.  I am not entirely sure what retirement will bring because I have never done it before.  However, God has shown me that God is trustworthy and follow along I will. 

I have enjoyed sharing my little crazy thoughts and dreams about faith, our loving God and life in general.  Thank you.  May God bless you deeply!

KEITH LEACH is pastor of College Church and college chaplain at Hampden-Sydney College. He can be reached at kleach@hsc.edu.